There is a dramatic scene, played across many a classical tale, where the call, letter, or visit comes from some unknown lawyer, and an inheritance is declared. Suddenly, the star is wealthy, all of their life challenges swept away by a deceased benefactor whose appreciation now becomes clear. However, in real life, succession and inheritance are far less wonderful, characterised by court cases, disputes that rip families apart, and bad will.
They push businesses into ownership gridlock and create administrative hurdles that can prove impassable. It’s an outcome that few of us would wish on our loved ones as our last will and testament. Yet, the problem is a global one - my own family now has several siblings at war on inheritance disputes. But in Kenya it is worse.
